RWD 19xx-1984 DeVille and Fleetwood,1985-1996 Fleetwood and Brougham Forum Discussion, Front end work and suggestions on my 91 in Past Cadillac Vehicle Discussion; As of yesterday I started taking apart the front end. I've decided that I am going to replace most everything ...

Front end work and suggestions on my 91

As of yesterday I started taking apart the front end. I've decided that I am going to replace most everything under there. Reason being is the front wheels have a lot of play in them in all directions. I will be getting new ball joints, tie rod ends(inner and outer) center link, idler arm, and new bushings for the sway bar where it attaches to the frame. I will be sandblasting the control arms and painting them in a color i don't know yet. I also just replaced my brakes with new Calipers, rotors, and pads. What color do you guys think I should paint everything and or which parts should I paint what color? This is the progress I've made so far. After doing the brakes I then decided to work on the other stuff a few days later. O well, at least everything will come apart easier for the brakes now.

Re: Front end work and suggestions on my 91

I always paint everything under the car semi-flat black. It wears well and I don't usually clean under there. You'll see imperfections easier with colors, but it would look cool if you're going to maintain it. Does the motor have any color to it? You could do it to match, if so.

Re: Front end work and suggestions on my 91

Well I have finally got everything off that I wanted to Yesterday!

I separated the Upper Ball joint and this is what happened. I only unbolted the bottom of the shock thinking that it would slide through the lower control arm. Guess not, so it broke the shock. which sucks because i just replaced them the end of last year.

For the passenger side i removed the shock this time.

Here's all the tie rods, center link, idler arm and steering damper.

With much effort I was able to get the spring out. I had to wrestle with it because, the control arm bushings are really bad. And they did not want to move at all.

Here is all the stuff removed from the drivers side. Upper and lover control arms, spring, (broken) shock, Spindle and brake caliper. Unfortunately The speed sensor was broken on this side, due to the sway bar end link snapping some time ago. At least i think it is the speed sensor?

I will take more pictures today. I got to dark for picture time when we finished last night.

Re: Front end work and suggestions on my 91

OK, as of yesterday I got almost all my new parts! I decided on getting new control arms. It was cheaper to buy new ones than rather to replace all the bushings and ball joints. So as of yesterday I have both upper control arms, all inner and outer tie rods, adjustable sleeves, Idler arm, new springs, 1 new shock( i broke the drivers side, but they covered it under warranty), and a steering damper. The rest of the parts will be in on Friday! which consist of Lower control arms, center link, sway bar frame bushings, and 2 wheel speed sensors as one has been broke for who knows how long, and I broke the other one. Now for some pics.

Re: Front end work and suggestions on my 91

So far I have spent about $700 and will probably spent about another $600. That's including the brakes as well. I know it sounds like a lot, but I look at it this way. If i were to pay someone to do this It would cost double. Also most of this stuff was original to the car with no maintenance done to it for the last 10 years except for oil changes, and me accidentally braking some parts (speed sensor) which is a $92 dollar part times 2 for me.

Re: Front end work and suggestions on my 91

Clean and paint that frame while you can get to it. You will also want to paint the rotor hat to prevent rusting. I use a "Cast" finish paint that looks natural.

Nice write up! I am deeming this worthy of the FAQ sticky

What is a rotor hat? also where can I get this paint and what exactly is it? I have a paint shop called Premier Paint that can probably supply me with all the paint I need. So they should have anything I want for paint selection. And thank you for the positive comment!

Re: Front end work and suggestions on my 91

Good ol' grunt work. I hate changing control arm bushings and I was just getting ready to do a set for my little Seville. I am going to look into buying some new ones now. Nice write up; your car is guaranteed to ride beautiful now.

Re: Front end work and suggestions on my 91

The rotor hat is the part that the lugs stick out of. On my brake jobs that I care about (especially where you can see the brakes through spokes), I paint the rotor hat and vanes so they don't rust. I tape off the braking surface with wide masking tape, and just use a file to cut it off the edge.

You can get the kind of paint I am talking about at any parts or hardware store. Another good choice is barbeque paint. I like something that looks like it isn't painted, but actually is. Here's one type: